Women's Fencing

Madeline Oliver Named 2010-11 Captain

Rising-sophomore saberist Madeline Oliver was named 2010-11
women's fencing captain at the team's annual banquet. At the
banquet, Oliver was also awarded the freshman award

Oliver is in Ezra Stiles College and hails from New York, NY.
She has been fencing since the sixth grade and competing seriously
since ninth grade. She graduated from Walt Whitman High School.

“It is my true passion and I really feel lucky to be
allowed to fence on a team as talented and supportive as the Yale
team,” noted Oliver.

“I am looking forward to being captain next year because
we had a great season this year and I'm excited to see what we can
do next year.”

It is unusual to have a sophomore captain, but the captaincy is
not limited to seniors.

The fencing banquet is an annual event that showcases the
history and culture behind the Yale fencing program. Alumni from
graduating classes in the '60s to the graduating class of '09
return for the banquet. Awards are presented to a member of each
class. Each award is named after a Yale fencer and the story of
that fencer is recounted when the award is presented.

“It is so interesting to hear about the amazing people who
fenced on the team and the legacies that have been left
behind,” remarked Oliver.

Every senior makes a speech at the banquet and additionally,
Coach Henry Harutunian makes a speech to each senior.

“It is a great opportunity for alumni to get to know the
student-athletes and exchange stories. The banquet really makes the
whole team feel as though we are being woven into the tapestry of
Yale Fencing's legacy and history,” noted Oliver.